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Essential Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Home in Top Shape Year-Round

Regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and enhance your living experience. Here’s a comprehensive monthly home maintenance checklist to guide you through the year.

Maintaining your home is crucial to ensure it stays in good condition and retains its value. Regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and enhance your living experience. Here’s a comprehensive monthly home maintenance checklist to guide you through the year.

Scroll down to the bottom if you want a handy, printable checklist!

a person cleaning the floor
Photo by Liliana Drew on Pexels.com

Home Maintenance Checklist

January

  • Now is an excellent time to declutter and dispose of items that no longer bring you joy or are no longer needed.
  • Clean your range hood filter in boiling water and baking soda.
  • Clean the cooling coils on your refrigerator to boost energy efficiency.

February

  • Deep clean your bathrooms to remove any mildew or mold that has accumulated over the winter.
  • Vacuum the mattress and box springs. Flip/rotate the mattress to extend its life.
  • Have your sump pump cleaned and serviced.
  • Clean the garbage disposal.

March

  • Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
  • Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
  • Clean air-conditioner filters.
  • Power-wash windows and siding.
  • Inspect roofing for damage.

April

  • Dust and vacuum vents and air ducts to improve indoor air quality.
  • Clean out your dryer vent to prevent fire hazards.
  • Clean and dispose of hazardous materials properly.
  • Give your fridge and freezer a thorough cleaning.

May

  • Check safety devices. Test smoke and carbon dioxide alarms and replace if needed.
  • Inspect kitchen and bath fixtures. Check for leaks and recaulk or regrout counters.
  • Give potted plants some TLC. Give indoor plants some spring sun.
  • Get ready for grilling season. Give the grill a good scrub.

June

  • Give your home a good dusting.
  • Inspect and repair outdoor play equipment.
  • Update the first-aid kit.
  • Prune shrubs around AC unit.
  • Remove mold and mildew on your home’s exterior.

July

  • Clean windows and inspect window screens.
  • Check fences and repair or replace as needed.
  • Check the trees in your yard.
  • Inspect crawlspace under house.
  • Inspect and drain water heater.
  • Check the roof for any potential repairs.

August

  • Remove and clean shower heads.
  • Deep clean carpets.
  • Check the washing machine – see if water hoses are in good condition.
  • Clean and store summer gear.
  • Get organized for back to school (and work).

September

  • Seal the windows.
  • Sweep the chimneys.
  • Service your yard equipment.
  • Change the air filters every month.
  • Service the heating and cooling system.

October

  • Clean gutters & downspouts.
  • Shut off exterior faucets & store hoses for winter.
  • Inspect all windows, doors & trim to make sure they seal properly.
  • Check walkways, railings, stairs & driveway for winter safety hazards. Repair buckling boards, heaving pavement & cracked concrete before they become covered with ice & snow.

November

  • Clean small appliances.
  • Pest-proof your home to prevent critters from getting in.
  • Keep a car safety kit, blankets, & gloves in case you get stuck in bad weather.
  • Protect faucets from freezing: add a winter cover, turn off water supply, & drain exterior faucets.

December

  • Clean shower curtains.
  • Perform some quick preventative furnace maintenance.
  • Set up smart plugs to save money on holiday lights & prevent overuse of lights.
  • Do a kitchen deep-clean to prepare for holiday cooking and baking.
  • Check to see if you have enough home insulation for the cold weather.

By following this comprehensive home maintenance checklist, you can ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable throughout the year. Regular maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but also enhances your quality of life and protects your investment. Happy home maintaining!

Downloadable Checklist

Download the checklist as an image:

Download the checklist as a PDF file:


Disclaimer: The content in any of Shawn Yu (Shawn Realty) Youtube videos or this website shall not be construed as tax, legal, insurance, construction, engineering, health & safety, electrical, financial advice, or other & may be outdated or inaccurate. Shawn Yu/Shawn Realty is a licensed principal real estate broker/brokerage doing business in Oregon. To contact Shawn Realty for selling, buying investing in Oregon, please email shawn@shawn-realty.com or call 503-515-4499.